Rader, Samuel R.

Samuel R. Rader, 66, of Pearisburg, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. His parents, Glorena Walters Rader and Cecil Hamblin Rader, preceded him in death. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Dianne Blanton Rader, and their son, Brett Matthew Rader and friend, Carol J. Green, and grandson, Connor Ballard Rader, all of Pearisburg. He leaves behind two brothers and their families, Eugene K. and Patsy Rader, of Charlottesville, and J. Paul Rader and Martha Vanover, of Narrows; five nieces and nephews; three great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends. Sam was a graduate of the University of Virginia, having attained both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and later in life an Associate’s degree from New River Community College. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving a tour of duty in Korea. He was a man of many interests having been an amateur photographer, furniture maker, boat builder, solar and wind energy enthusiast, building contractor, Town of Narrows public works engineer and acting town manager. He retired from the Celanese Corporation in Narrows as a pipe fitter. He had served in various capacities with the Narrows Kiwanis Club and Narrows Lions Club and was currently the treasurer of the Giles County Democratic Party and a volunteer with the United Fund of Giles County. For those wishing to honor his memory please consider the Music Fund of the First United Methodist Church in Narrows or the United Fund of Giles County. The Rader family will greet friends at their home in Pearisburg on Friday, June 24, 2011, between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m. A celebration of Sam’s life will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Narrows with the Rev. Chris Brown and the Rev. Dr. James Smith officiating, along with an Honor Guard from American Legion Post #68 and VFW Post #6000 of Narrows. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442.